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WHAT HAPPENED?
Messi’s oldest son Thiago is still only 12 years old but appears to be following in his famous father’s footsteps. Thiago was handed the No.10 shirt for Inter Miami’s Under-13s for the Newell’s Cup in Rosario, Argentina. Dad Lionel was not able to come along and support his son in person, but his wife and Thiago’s mother Antonela Roccuzzo watched on from the stands along with Messi’s parents Jorge and Celia. Inter Miami lost their game against host club Newell’s Old Boys, who Messi played for in his youth, by a 1-0 scoreline.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Thiago was not the only famous name playing in the game. Benjamin Suarez, son of Inter Miami striker Luis, also featured in the match at the Jorge B Griffa Sports Complex. Both Messi and Suarez are close friends and have been team-mates at Barcelona and now Inter Miami, and their two sons are also now enjoying playing together in the youth ranks for the MLS side.
Thiago Messi has already spoken about his footballing ambitions and one particular Barcelona player he admires. “One day I would like to play with Lamine Yamal,” he told José Ramón de la Morena in an interview in June.
WHAT NEXT FOR THE MESSI FAMILY
Messi and his family look set to stay in Miami for the time being. The Argentine star’s current contract runs until the end of the 2025 season and the club are hoping an extension can be agreed. However, Messi has also reiterated his desire to return to Barcelona at some point in the future and has admitted his wife and children miss their former home.
